Hunter Valley Vintage 2018

It was a long, dry winter with no severe weather events during the growing season, except a light hail storm that missed us here at Tamburlaine. Bud-burst came in the early days of Spring with the whites leading the way.

Dry weather prevailed this season which meant we had very little threat of disease and our red grapevines started flowering late October.

We had many visitors in our vineyard, from the helpful ladybug to the not-so-helpful rainbow lorikeets who took a liking to the riper berries.

The steady, warm summer days gifted us some light showers which helped accelerate ripeness about a week ahead of last year’s schedule.

Our first pick of the year was on the 16th of January. The next day members from the whole company joined for hand picking as we brought in some premium Chardonnay and Verdelho.

The remaining red blocks were picked, with three picks of Shiraz, one pick of Cabernet Sauvignon and one pick of Chambourcin.

The reds are looking exceptional, we left the grapes on the vines a little longer to intensify flavours. These wines will be “put to bed” soon for their maturation.

Overall the 2018 vintage is one of exceptional quality. Following the amazing 2017 vintage, Senior Winemaker, Aaron Mercer says we can expect a richer Semillon, and finer Chardonnay and Verdelho.